Chhattisgarh's Folk Culture, Agricultural Traditions, and Rural Life Come Alive at Chief Minister's Residence on Harela Festival
Chhattisgarh's Folk Culture, Agricultural Traditions, and Rural Life Come Alive at Chief Minister's Residence on Harela Festival
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai worshiped agricultural tools and cattle, wishing for the state's prosperity, good rainfall, and abundant harvest.
Harela is a festival of gratitude towards nature, respect for livestock, and pride in farming - Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai.
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh arrived at the venue in a pink auto, dressed in traditional attire.
Message of nature conservation through plantation: Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh planted a Parijat tree.
Folk songs, folk dances, traditional games like Geri-Billas, and Chhattisgarh cuisine brought a village atmosphere to the Chief Minister's residence.
Dialogue with Drone Didi: Farmer handed over a check of Rs 16 lakh for harvester subsidy.
Raipur / The earthy aroma of Chhattisgarh's soil, traditions of fields and barns, melodies of folk songs, beats of the Mandar, joy of Geri, and fragrances of traditional delicacies - on the occasion of the state's first folk festival, Harela, the Chief Minister's residence in Nava Raipur transformed into a vibrant tableau of Chhattisgarh's rich folk culture and rural life. Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai performed rituals, worshiping Lord Shiva, cows, and agricultural tools, praying for good rainfall, abundant harvest, farmers' prosperity, and happiness for all families in the state. Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, along with ministers, public representatives, officials from various corporations, boards, and commissions, farmers, and a large number of citizens, witnessed this celebration.
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai extended heartfelt greetings of Harela festival to the people of the state, especially the farmer brothers and sisters, stating that Harela is a celebration of the intimate relationship between Chhattisgarh's agricultural culture, nature, and rural life. This festival provides us an opportunity to express gratitude towards our land, livestock, agricultural implements, and nature. Chhattisgarh is the rice bowl, and the livelihood of a large population in the state is linked to farming. The prosperity of the farmer is the strong foundation of happiness for the village and the state.
Chief Minister Arrived in Traditional Attire by Pink Auto
During the Harela celebration, Chief Minister Mr. Sai was seen completely immersed in the Chhattisgarh spirit. Dressed in traditional attire, he, along with Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, arrived at the venue from the Chief Minister's residence complex in a pink auto driven by a woman auto driver, Mrs. Sangeeta Yadav. This unique gesture attracted the attention of the attendees and added a touch of warmth to the festive atmosphere.
The program began with the worship of Gauri-Ganesh and Navagrahas. Amidst chanting of mantras, the Chief Minister performed the Abhishek of the Shivling and duly worshiped agricultural tools used in farming, including plows, sickles, spades, and shovels. He then paid respects to the statue of Chhattisgarh Mahtari.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai said that by the time of Harela, many major agricultural tasks are completed, and farmers worship nature and their agricultural resources, praying for a good agricultural year. This tradition reflects the deep understanding and respect our ancestors had for nature.
Fed Traditional Londi to Cow Mother, Gave a Message of Livestock Conservation
Chief Minister Mr. Sai visited the cowshed built on the Chief Minister's residence premises and performed Aarti and puja of the cow mother. He fed green fodder, gram, jaggery, and traditional 'londi' to the cow and calf. The folk tradition of feeding 'londi' to livestock on Harela is associated with praying for their better health and protection from diseases.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai said that livestock is an integral part of the family and agricultural system in rural life in Chhattisgarh. Our folk culture teaches us sensitivity, respect, and conservation towards animals. It is also our responsibility to pass on such useful and nature-friendly traditions to the new generation along with modernity.
Government is Committed to Farmers' Prosperity
Chief Minister Mr. Sai said that the central and state governments have taken many important steps towards strengthening farmers financially. The Kisan Credit Card, initiated during the tenure of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, opened a way to easily provide capital for farming to farmers. After the formation of Chhattisgarh state, the government led by Dr. Raman Singh gradually reduced the interest rates on cooperative agricultural loans, eventually bringing them down to zero percent. Today, farmers are receiving agricultural loans from cooperative banks at zero percent interest.
He added that continuous efforts are being made to simplify crop insurance, expand irrigation facilities, and bring modern agricultural technology to the farmers. The state government is purchasing paddy from farmers at the rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal, up to 21 quintals per acre. This directly benefits lakhs of farmer families in the state.
Message of Increasing Greenery by Planting a Parijat Tree
Furthering the message of nature conservation of Harela, Chief Minister Mr. Sai planted a Parijat tree on the Chief Minister's residence premises. Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh also planted a Parijat tree. Ministers and officials from various corporations, boards, and commissions also conveyed the message of environmental conservation by planting saplings of different species.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai said that Harela teaches us not only to take from nature but also to conserve and give back to it. Along with planting saplings, their conservation is equally important. By planting more trees and nurturing them until they grow into trees, a green and secure future can be created for coming generations.
Chief Minister Interacted with Modern Agricultural Technology
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai reviewed the agricultural and other departmental stalls set up at the event. At the stall of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, he inquired about the utility and features of modern agricultural machinery.
The Chief Minister presented a check of Rs 16 lakh as subsidy for a harvester to farmer Mr. Inder Kumar Verma of Raipur. He said that modern technology and mechanization in agriculture help reduce costs and labor for farmers while increasing productivity.
Chief Minister Praised the Success of Drone Didi Chandrakali
At the stall of the Agriculture Department, the Chief Minister had an engaging conversation with Drone Didi Mrs. Chandrakali Verma. Mrs. Verma explained that she sprays nano urea, nano DAP, and pesticides in fields using a drone and receives a remuneration of Rs 300 per acre. She has sprayed drones over more than 2,500 acres so far and has earned approximately Rs 7 lakh in the last two years.
Appreciating her achievement, the Chief Minister said that the use of technology in agriculture is creating new opportunities for income and self-reliance for women as well. Drone Didis are becoming an inspiring link for modern agriculture and women's empowerment.
At the stall of the National Mission on Natural Farming, the Chief Minister distributed mini kits of Arhar and Urad dal to farmers. He inquired about products like Brahmastra, Neemastra, and lip balm made from beeswax prepared by agricultural friends. At the Horticulture Department's stall, farmer Mr. Ramvishal Nishad presented a Neem sapling to the Chief Minister.
Geri, Billas, Goti, and Bati Recalled Village Memories
The Chief Minister's residence was decorated with neem and mango leaves, marigold flowers, and traditional village ornaments befitting Harela. Upon entering the premises, one felt an atmosphere similar to Chhattisgarh's villages and fairs. Amidst greenery and folk decorations, traditional games like Geri, Billas, Goti, and Bati were a special attraction.
Artists and participants performing Geri brought the identity of Harela to life, while rural games familiarized children and youth with their traditional sport culture. Rachuli also attracted a lot of attention and added a village fair-like enjoyment to the entire event.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai Danced with Artists to Folk Tunes
To the beats of Mandar, Dholak, and traditional instruments, folk artists presented enchanting performances of Chhattisgarh songs and dances. In the joy of Harela, Chief Minister Mr. Sai also joined the artists and danced with them to traditional folk tunes. The artists' enthusiasm doubled upon seeing the Chief Minister among them.
Stalls of various Chhattisgarh delicacies, including Thethri, Khurmi, and Bara, added the flavor of traditional cuisine to the event. The Chief Minister reviewed the stalls, interacted with citizens and artists, and shared the joy of Harela.
Chhattisgarh's Prosperity Lies in the Happiness of the Farmer: Dr. Raman Singh
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh said that Harela is an important folk festival connected with Chhattisgarh's agricultural tradition, culture, and nature. The worship of agricultural tools, cow mother, and nature expresses our culture of gratitude. He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai, continuous efforts are being made to improve the lives of farmers. Farmers are receiving paddy at the rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal, and mothers and sisters are receiving financial support through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. Only when the farmer's home is happy and the village is strong, will the path to Chhattisgarh's prosperity be further paved.
If the Farmer is Prosperous, the State and the Country Will Be Prosperous: Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Mr. Ramvichar Netam said that Harela is a grand festival of Chhattisgarh's farming, greenery, and faith in nature. Our culture conveys the message of nature conservation, respect for livestock, and reverence for the labor of the अन्नदाता (food provider). Harela is an occasion to pass on our traditions to the new generation and to resolve to make agriculture more prosperous. If the farmer is prosperous, then both the state and the country will be prosperous.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai said that Harela is a festival of Chhattisgarh's folk identity and our roots. Amidst the rapid journey of modern development, it is our collective responsibility to preserve our culture, traditional knowledge, rural games, folk art, and cuisine. Praying to Lord Bholenath, the cow mother, and nature for their grace upon the state, he expressed his wish for Chhattisgarh's fields to flourish, farmers' homes to be filled with happiness, and the state to continuously move forward on the path of prosperity.
On this occasion, Minister of Women and Child Development Mrs. Lakshmi Rajwade, Revenue Minister Mr. Tank Ram Verma, School Education Minister Mr. Gajendra Yadav, Skill Development Minister Mr. Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLAs, officials from various corporations, boards, and commissions, public representatives, senior officers-employees, farmers from various districts of the state, and a large number of citizens were present.